Snoring can be incredibly troublesome, both for the one doing the snoring and anyone close enough to be awakened by the noise. Unfortunately it can also be a symptom of a bigger issue, obstructive sleep apnea. This is a condition that causes a person’s airway to become blocked during sleep, often leading to loud snoring, but posing other potential health risks as well, some of them quite serious. Over time, these seemingly small interruptions can greatly reduce the quality of one’s rest, leading to daytime tiredness, irritability, depression, and health conditions such as spiked blood pressure and related heart conditions. Fortunately, your dentist may be able to offer you a minimally invasive yet effective treatment for sleep apnea, in the form of a custom oral appliance.
Dentists Offer Minimally Invasive Treatment Options
While Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines have become a common form of sleep apnea treatment, many patients find them cumbersome and difficult to adjust to wearing. A CPAP machine requires wearing a hose, mask or nose piece throughout the night.
Many dentists prescribe oral appliances as a less-invasive alternative. A custom oral appliance, like a SomnoDent Sleep Appliance, is similar to a mouthguard worn during orthodontic treatment or athletic activities, but it is designed specifically to keep the jaw properly aligned as one sleeps, so as to keep the passageways clear.
An Oral Appliance Can Prevent Sleep Apnea
If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, it is wise to talk to a dentist that specializes in sleep apnea treatment about the possibility of using an oral appliance to treat the disorder.
About Your Spring, TX, Sleep Experts:
At Stephens and Gatewood Dentistry, located in Spring, TX, we proudly deliver modern, quality dental care in a welcoming, comfortable environment to patients and families throughout the community. We also offer customized, expert sleep solutions to help you alleviate snoring and sleep apnea symptoms. Though we are located in Spring, we also welcome patients from Houston, The Woodlands, Tomball, Cypress, and all surrounding communities. To schedule a consultation with one of our experts, call Stephens and Gatewood Dentistry today at 281-320-2000. Se Habla Espanol!
